July 2026 HSRDC Presidents’ Letter
What a whirlwind of a month! June was packed with wonderful dance opportunities and great fellowship with dancers from across the state, nation and around the world!
JUNE HIGHLIGHTS
Texas State Federation Square and Round Dancers Festival
Many Houston area dancers attended the 64th Annual Texas State Federation Square and Round Dancers Festival, “Dancing Across Texas,” in Longview, June 4–6. Check out some photos here: https://houstonsquaredance.com/2026/06/09/64th-annual-texas-state-federation-square-and-round-dancers-festival/
75th National Square Dance Convention a Grand Success!
The 75NSDC was a tremendous, outstanding, over-the-top successful event! HSRDC members truly showed Texas-style hospitality to all guests from near and far! Kudos to Claudia and Gary Lester and all the committee members for a fantastic convention! Many thanks to everyone who volunteered during the Convention and a special shout out to Roxie and everyone in the Sights and Sounds of Texas presentation!
Click here to see more info and photos: https://houstonsquaredance.com/2026/06/29/75th-national-square-dance-convention-a-grand-success/ and https://houstonsquaredance.com/2026/07/06/75nsdc-kudos-and-compliments-from-around-the-country/
Welcome to Our New Dancers!
Nine dancers graduated on June 19 at the Katy Prairie Promenaders! Let’s give a warm welcome to all the new dancers at our HSRDC Clubs! https://houstonsquaredance.com/2026/06/01/graduations-galore-welcome-to-our-new-dancers/
Bluebonnet Squares Celebrates 47th Anniversary
Congratulations to the Bluebonnet Squares on celebrating their 47th anniversary, and to the 4Bs, Hey Lollies and Tomball Promenaders for turning out in force to capture a “Steal the Banner” certificate! Check out more photos at https://houstonsquaredance.com/2026/07/02/bluebonnet-squares-47th-anniversary-celebration/
JULY AND BEYOND
Big Crowd at the Pre-Hoedown Kick-Off Dance and Ice Cream Social
July got off to a great start with the Pre-Hoedown Kick-Off Dance and Ice Cream Social on Wednesday, July 1. A big crowd appreciated Jaden Frigo’s enthusiastic and entertaining calling and enjoyed ice cream and birthday cake for Bill Ranshaw. Check out photos here: https://houstonsquaredance.com/2026/07/06/pre-hoedown-kick-off-dance-and-ice-cream-social/
Texas Renegades Celebrates America 250 at Independence Day Dance
Six+ squares came out on July 4 to celebrate America’s 250th in their red, white, and blue at an afternoon dance with Charlie Robertson calling. Frank Hunter remembered fellow dancer and friend, Jim Earles, with photos of “Jim’s Spot.” See photos at https://houstonsquaredance.com/2026/07/06/texas-renegades-independence-day-dance/
Nominations for 2027 Officers due July 15
Nominations for 2027 Officers are due July 15, and we are seeking individuals to serve in appointed positions. If you are interested in the Second Vice President position or another leadership role with HSRDC, please contact Carol and Charles Thornburg, Sally and Phil Henderson, Brenda and Jerry Fabian, Donna Bowen or Linda Reaves to express your interest. Officer elections will be held at the 3rd Quarter meeting on August 16.
Dancers Needed for Caller Class on Saturday, July 25
HSRDC and the Houston Caller Association are co-hosting the third Caller Class with Vernon Jones on Saturday, July 25. Dancers are needed from 2-4pm to give the callers an opportunity to practice what they’ve learned during the class. This is FREE for dancers! Let’s have a nice-sized group show up to support our local callers! Stay and angel at the Mainstream Lessons from 4-5:30pm.
Steal the Banner Competition Continues Until August 16!
Clubs have been competing for the most Steal the Banner certificates that they can acquire between April 26 and August 16. There’s still time to join in on the fun! This is a great way for dancers to get floor time and meet other dancers in the Houston area. Attending the Saturday afternoon Mainstream Dances at Concordia Lutheran counts as a visitation. To see more info and print the certificate go to https://houstonsquaredance.com/2026/04/27/steal-the-banner-competition/
HSRDC 3rd Quarter Meeting and Dance Sunday, August 16
Mark your calendar to attend the HSRDC 3rd Quarter Meeting and Dance on Sunday, August 16 with Vernon Jones calling. Jim Earles, who passed away in June, will be remembered with donations to fund ways to improve and expand square dancing in the Houston area. Jim was an active dancer and member of several HSRDC clubs. We will also recognize the Clubs who have participated in the Steal the Banner Competition.
Nominations for Dancer of the Year and Dance Leader of the Year due by August 31
Nominations are now open for Dancer of the Year and Dance Leader of the Year Awards which are presented each year at the Houston Hoedown. Please send the nominee’s name(s) and qualifying reasons to HSRDCpresident@gmail.com by August 31.
2026 Houston Hoedown “Dance Around the World!” October 23-25
Put on your dancing shoes and sense of adventure and join us for the 78th Annual Houston Hoedown “Dance Around the World: A Global Dance Adventure!” on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 23–25 at the Pasadena Convention Center, 7902 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, Texas! Make plans now to attend this great event! For more information, check out the story at https://houstonsquaredance.com/2026/07/06/78th-annual-houston-hoedown-dance-around-the-world-october-23-25-2026/ and https://houstonsquaredance.com/flyers/
LESSONS
Saturday Afternoon Mainstream Lessons and Dances Continue at Concordia Lutheran
Angels, especially men, are needed for the mainstream lessons on Saturday July 11 and July 18 from 3:00-4:30pm at Concordia Lutheran. Recent graduates are encouraged to attend and help the students! Then stay for the Mainstream dance from 4:30-6:00 PM with David Bearden. At just $7 per person, this is a fun and welcoming place for new dancers to practice skills and gain valuable floor time. The sessions are designed to build confidence while connecting with fellow dancers and count towards the Steal the Banner Competition! Come early or stay after to check out the square dance clothing for sale!
Get a Headstart on the New Plus Calls
Tim Ploch’s First Tuesday Series is a great place to learn the new calls that have been added to the Plus list. Fairbees are offering a 40-minute Plus lesson workshop at 7pm. The lesson workshop includes 8 “new” Plus Calls and Rusty Hinges from previous week. Bluebonnet Squares and Tomball Promenaders are having lessons on the new plus calls later this year. More information is available on the on the HSRDC calendar at https://houstonsquaredance.com/lessons/
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS AND OTHER DANCE OPPORTUNITIES
August 16, HSRDC 3rd Quarter Meeting/Election of 2027 Officers and Dance, Vernon Jones, Caller, Concordia Lutheran Church
October 23-25, “Dance Around the World” 78th Annual HSRDC Houston Hoedown, with Dan Preedy, Caller, The Ski’s, Round Dance Leaders, Pasadena Convention Center https://houstonsquaredance.com/2026/07/06/78th-annual-houston-hoedown-dance-around-the-world-october-23-25-2026/
November 15, HSRDC 4th Quarter Meeting/Installation of 2027 Officers and Dance, Mike Seastrom, Caller, Concordia Lutheran Church
See the HSRDC calendar for more information about upcoming dances, lessons, and exhibitions at https://houstonsquaredance.com/calendar/
If you know any dancers who are not receiving the HSRDC emails, please share this link for them to sign up Newsletters – Houston Square Dance or email info@houstonsquaredance.com.
Keep on dancin’! We look forward to seeing you on the dance floor!
Carol and Charles Thornburg